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Art notes: Aug. 18

Published: Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 16, 2013 at 12:43 p.m.

Morgan to discuss new novel in Hendersonville

Author Robert Morgan will sign and talk about his new novel, "The Road from Gap Creek," at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Henderson County Heritage Museum, 1 Historic Courthouse Square, and 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Fountainhead Bookstore, 408 N. Main St., Hendersonville.

The events are free.

"Robert Morgan's prose has an earthy, musical rhythm, and in ‘The Road from Gap Creek,' he delivers another powerhouse novel of his people with their virtues and failings, wins and losses, loves and sorrows," said Daniel Woodrell, author of "Winter's Bone."

"Deathtrap" is about Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, who is struggling to overcome a dry spell that has left him with a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college — a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway hit.

Sidney's plan, which he devises with his wife's help, is to offer collaboration to the student, an idea which the younger man quickly accepts. Thereafter, suspense mounts steadily as Sidney's intentions are revealed and the plot begins to twist and turn, leading to a startling conclusion.

"Deathtrap" holds the record for the longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway and was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play.

Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, through Sept. 15. All tickets are $35.

Call 828-693-0731, 866-732-8008 or visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org for more information.

Watercolor painting class starts Sept. 5

The Opportunity House at 1411 Asheville Highway is offering a six-week introductory watercolor painting class beginning Sept. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Instructor Dianne Coleman will teach students various techniques for basic to intermediate watercolor painting. She will bring in pictures for students to imitate with the skills they have learned. The cost for the class is $70 for members and $85 for nonmembers. A supply list is available.

Bramblett, a multi-instrumentalist, has played alongside Gregg Allman, Levon Helm, Delbert McClinton, and Widespread Panic. He has numerous solo albums, including his latest, "The Bright Spots," released in May on New West Records.

Achison, a gifted guitarist, songwriter and bandleader from Australia, tours annually in the United States to satisfy fan demand. He also has a new release, "Box of Blues." Bramblett and Achison's combined effort, "Jammin' in the Attic," was released by Hittin' the Note Records in 2010 and was immediately tagged as a "super band."

Bramblett and Achison will play songs from both their individual careers with the rhythm section of Michael Steele and Seth Hendershot.

Tickets are $15.

For more information about the artists, visit www.randallbramblett.com; www.geoffachison.com. Call 828-859-8322 for tickets.

Fountainhead short story contest begins

The Fountainhead Bookstore is inviting original entries of fiction for its 2013 short story contest.

This year, to honor Henderson County's heritage of apple growing, the story must involve apples — apple orchards, apple pies, a monster alien apple, etc. Much latitude will be given to interpretations of this theme.

Tom Hooker won last year's contest.

Submissions cannot exceed 2,500 words.

The deadline to enter is Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced on Dec. 1. Visit www.fountainheadbookstore.com for more information.

ARDEN

Murdock book on the Inklings is released

In his new devotional biography, "The Inklings at Christmastime," Arden resident and author William Murdock showcases some of the greatest writers of all time.

"The Inklings at Christmastime" brings C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and J.R.R. Tolkien home for the holidays.

He has also taught at Duke University and the University of North Carolina. He has written for local and national publications and has authored several biographies.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, "The Inklings at Christmastime" is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

LENOIR

Sculpture celebration set for Sept. 7

Caldwell Arts Council in Lenoir, in partnership with Tri State Sculptors Association, has announced the 28th annual Sculpture Celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 7 at T.H. Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir.

Admission is free.

The celebration will feature sculptural artwork by artists from across the United States who are competing for cash prizes totaling more than $10,000.

More than 150 sculptures will be on display and entered in the juried competition. The juror for this year's event is Craig Pleasants, artistic director of the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.

Food vendors, art for children, and music are featured throughout the day.

A buffet dinner will welcome and introduce the judge and sponsors of the event at 7 p.m. Sept. 6. The cost is $20 per person; registration and prepayment are due by Sept. 4.

Registration for the juried Sculpture Celebration is open to any 3-D artist up to the day of the event, and each sculptor can present up to three sculptures. A registration prospectus is available by request from Caldwell Arts Council or online at www.caldwell arts.com. Cost to register the day of the Sculpture Celebration is $65; discounts are available for early registration.

Call 828-754-2486, email info@caldwellarts.com or visit www.caldwellarts.com for more information.

ASHEVILLE

Gardening symposium at arboretum this week

The N.C. Arboretum will host the Speaking of Gardening symposium on Friday and Saturday.

u Rick Darke, president of Rick Darke LLC in Landenberg, Pa. Darke's work is grounded in an observational ethic that blends art, ecologyart, ecology and cultural geography in the design and stewardship of livable landscapes.

Registration is $160 for Arboretum members and $185 for nonmembers. The fee includes lectures, book signings, lunches and snacks for both days. Seating is limited, and registration is required.

Call 828-665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org for more information.

ASHEVILLE

WNC author writes children's book

Western North Carolina writer Victoria S. Blake had always dreamed of writing a children's book, having worked more than 20 years as an elementary school office administrator. While accompanying a group of grade school children on a field trip to the Biltmore Estate, she was inspired to pen a story about Cornelia Vanderbilt and her best friend.

"My Days with Nell" is a heartwarming story of life in the early 1900s in America's largest privately owned home, the Biltmore House. Illustrations by Virginia Palmer bring to life the main character, Lilly Staton.

In the story, Lilly and her parents travel to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to receive treatment for Lilly, who has tuberculosis. Cornelia Vanderbilt, the only child of George and Edith Vanderbilt, befriends Lilly.

The two friends are soon joined by Ellen Jorith, an African-American child, also recovering from tuberculosis.

"My Days with Nell" portrays the Vanderbilts as compassionate, caring people and faithful friends.

The book release is scheduled for Sept. 1. Visit www.gratefulsteps.org, www.mydayswithnell. blogspot.com or call 828-277-0998 for more information.

Asheville

UNCA art faculty exhibit debuts Friday

The opening reception for an exhibit of the works of 11 UNC Asheville Art Department faculty members will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in UNC Asheville's S. Tucker Cooke Gallery.

The exhibit features work in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and ceramics.

Located on the first floor of Owen Hall, the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Call 828-251-6559 or visit art.unca.edu for more information.

Hendersonville Chorale begins rehearsals

The Hendersonville Chorale will begin practicing for its fall concert on Aug. 26 at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Kanuga Road.

The chorale will rehearse from 7 to 9 p.m. for 13 Monday evenings in preparation for the fall concert. Singers should arrive at the first rehearsal at 6:30 to register. Registration will continue for two additional Mondays.

There is a $20 registration fee.

New member singers are invited to join. Men are especially encouraged and welcomed.

The fall holiday concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville.

Timothy Shepard is the director of the Hendersonville Chorale.

Michael Brannon will be accompanying the chorale this season. Brannon is the director of music at First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville.

The Hendersonville Chorale is made up of 70-90 nonauditioned singers. Visit www.henderson villechorale.com for more information.

Quilt guild craft show set for Aug. 31

The Memory Makers Quilt Guild is sponsoring a Quilt & Craft Show and sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 at First Baptist Church Crosswalk student building in downtown Hendersonville, corner of Sixth Avenue and Buncombe Street.

Admission is free.

Money raised at the event will be used to purchase a long-arm sewing machine and other sewing supplies for making quilts for disaster victims, Samaritans Purse, orphanages and Hendersonville nonprofit agencies, including Head Start, The Storehouse and Hospice.

Call 828-687-0853 for more information.

ASHEVILLE

Art gallery accepting member applications

The Asheville Gallery of Art at 16 College St. is accepting applications for membership.

The work of applicants must be submitted Sept. 3 for jurying on Sept. 4.

Interested artists can obtain a copy of prospective member guidelines and a membership application, both available at the gallery or can be downloaded from the AGA website (www.asheville gallery-of-art.com).

Jury entrants must deliver five finished original pieces ready for hanging, six copies of a current resume, and six copies of the completed membership application to the gallery between noon and 5:30 p.m. Sept. 3.

All work must be picked up between 2 and 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4.

Call 828-251-5796 or email ashevillegalleryof art@gmail.com for more information.

<p>Morgan to discuss new novel in Hendersonville</p><p>Author Robert Morgan will sign and talk about his new novel, "The Road from Gap Creek," at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Henderson County Heritage Museum, 1 Historic Courthouse Square, and 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Fountainhead Bookstore, 408 N. Main St., Hendersonville. </p><p>The events are free.</p><p>"Robert Morgan's prose has an earthy, musical rhythm, and in 'The Road from Gap Creek,' he delivers another powerhouse novel of his people with their virtues and failings, wins and losses, loves and sorrows," said Daniel Woodrell, author of "Winter's Bone."</p><p>Call 828-697-1870 for more information. </p><p>Flat Rock</p><p>'Deathtrap' begins run this week at FRP</p><p>The thriller "Deathtrap" opens at 8 p.m. Thursday at Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage, 2661 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock.</p><p>"Deathtrap" is about Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, who is struggling to overcome a dry spell that has left him with a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college — a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway hit. </p><p>Sidney's plan, which he devises with his wife's help, is to offer collaboration to the student, an idea which the younger man quickly accepts. Thereafter, suspense mounts steadily as Sidney's intentions are revealed and the plot begins to twist and turn, leading to a startling conclusion.</p><p>"Deathtrap" holds the record for the longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway and was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. </p><p>The show is directed by Don Stephenson.</p><p>The cast is Garrett Long (Myra Bruhl), Michael MacCauley (Sidney Bruhl), Peggy J. Scott (Helga Ten Dorp), Jarid Faubel (Clifford Anderson) and longtime Playhouse favorite Ralph Redpath (Porter Milgrim). </p><p>Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, through Sept. 15. All tickets are $35. </p><p>Call 828-693-0731, 866-732-8008 or visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org for more information. </p><p>Watercolor painting class starts Sept. 5</p><p>The Opportunity House at 1411 Asheville Highway is offering a six-week introductory watercolor painting class beginning Sept. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. </p><p>Instructor Dianne Coleman will teach students various techniques for basic to intermediate watercolor painting. She will bring in pictures for students to imitate with the skills they have learned. The cost for the class is $70 for members and $85 for nonmembers. A supply list is available.</p><p>Call 828-692-0575 for more information.</p><p>TRYON</p><p>Bramblett, Achison to play at TFAC</p><p>Randall Bramblett and Geoff Achison will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave.</p><p>Bramblett, a multi-instrumentalist, has played alongside Gregg Allman, Levon Helm, Delbert McClinton, and Widespread Panic. He has numerous solo albums, including his latest, "The Bright Spots," released in May on New West Records. </p><p>Achison, a gifted guitarist, songwriter and bandleader from Australia, tours annually in the United States to satisfy fan demand. He also has a new release, "Box of Blues." Bramblett and Achison's combined effort, "Jammin' in the Attic," was released by Hittin' the Note Records in 2010 and was immediately tagged as a "super band." </p><p>Bramblett and Achison will play songs from both their individual careers with the rhythm section of Michael Steele and Seth Hendershot.</p><p>Tickets are $15. </p><p>For more information about the artists, visit www.randallbramblett.com; www.geoffachison.com. Call 828-859-8322 for tickets. </p><p>Fountainhead short story contest begins</p><p>The Fountainhead Bookstore is inviting original entries of fiction for its 2013 short story contest.</p><p>This year, to honor Henderson County's heritage of apple growing, the story must involve apples — apple orchards, apple pies, a monster alien apple, etc. Much latitude will be given to interpretations of this theme.</p><p>Tom Hooker won last year's contest. </p><p>Submissions cannot exceed 2,500 words. </p><p>The deadline to enter is Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced on Dec. 1. Visit www.fountainheadbookstore.com for more information.</p><p>ARDEN</p><p>Murdock book on the Inklings is released</p><p>In his new devotional biography, "The Inklings at Christmastime," Arden resident and author William Murdock showcases some of the greatest writers of all time.</p><p>"The Inklings at Christmastime" brings C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and J.R.R. Tolkien home for the holidays. </p><p>Murdock was educated at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Mars Hill College, Duke, Harvard and Stanford universities.</p><p>He has also taught at Duke University and the University of North Carolina. He has written for local and national publications and has authored several biographies. </p><p>Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, "The Inklings at Christmastime" is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.</p><p>LENOIR</p><p>Sculpture celebration set for Sept. 7</p><p>Caldwell Arts Council in Lenoir, in partnership with Tri State Sculptors Association, has announced the 28th annual Sculpture Celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 7 at T.H. Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir. </p><p>Admission is free.</p><p>The celebration will feature sculptural artwork by artists from across the United States who are competing for cash prizes totaling more than $10,000. </p><p>More than 150 sculptures will be on display and entered in the juried competition. The juror for this year's event is Craig Pleasants, artistic director of the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. </p><p>Food vendors, art for children, and music are featured throughout the day. </p><p>A buffet dinner will welcome and introduce the judge and sponsors of the event at 7 p.m. Sept. 6. The cost is $20 per person; registration and prepayment are due by Sept. 4.</p><p>Registration for the juried Sculpture Celebration is open to any 3-D artist up to the day of the event, and each sculptor can present up to three sculptures. A registration prospectus is available by request from Caldwell Arts Council or online at www.caldwell arts.com. Cost to register the day of the Sculpture Celebration is $65; discounts are available for early registration. </p><p>Call 828-754-2486, email info@caldwellarts.com or visit www.caldwellarts.com for more information. </p><p>ASHEVILLE</p><p>Gardening symposium at arboretum this week</p><p>The N.C. Arboretum will host the Speaking of Gardening symposium on Friday and Saturday.</p><p>The annual symposium features experts presenting lectures on creative design and cutting-edge plants. Scheduled speakers include:</p><p>u Rick Darke, president of Rick Darke LLC in Landenberg, Pa. Darke's work is grounded in an observational ethic that blends art, ecologyart, ecology and cultural geography in the design and stewardship of livable landscapes. </p><p>u Tony Avent, owner of Plant Delights Nursery Inc. and Juniper Level Botanical Gardens in Raleigh. Avent is a nurseryman and hosta hybridizer. </p><p>u Steven A. Sanchez, ASLA, principal in HGOR in Atlanta. Sanchez oversees the planting designs for each studio in the firm: workplace, campus, community and urban design. </p><p>u Sandy McDougle, founder of Sandy's Plants, Inc. in Mechanicsville, Va. Sandy's Plants Inc. is a family-owned perennial wholesale and retail nursery that has been in operation since 1979.</p><p>Speaking of Gardening qualifies for PLANET, NCBOLA and APLD continuing education credits with board approval.</p><p>Registration is $160 for Arboretum members and $185 for nonmembers. The fee includes lectures, book signings, lunches and snacks for both days. Seating is limited, and registration is required. </p><p>Call 828-665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org for more information. </p><p>ASHEVILLE</p><p>WNC author writes children's book</p><p>Western North Carolina writer Victoria S. Blake had always dreamed of writing a children's book, having worked more than 20 years as an elementary school office administrator. While accompanying a group of grade school children on a field trip to the Biltmore Estate, she was inspired to pen a story about Cornelia Vanderbilt and her best friend.</p><p>"My Days with Nell" is a heartwarming story of life in the early 1900s in America's largest privately owned home, the Biltmore House. Illustrations by Virginia Palmer bring to life the main character, Lilly Staton.</p><p>In the story, Lilly and her parents travel to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to receive treatment for Lilly, who has tuberculosis. Cornelia Vanderbilt, the only child of George and Edith Vanderbilt, befriends Lilly. </p><p>The two friends are soon joined by Ellen Jorith, an African-American child, also recovering from tuberculosis. </p><p>"My Days with Nell" portrays the Vanderbilts as compassionate, caring people and faithful friends.</p><p>The book release is scheduled for Sept. 1. Visit www.gratefulsteps.org, www.mydayswithnell. blogspot.com or call 828-277-0998 for more information.</p><p>Asheville</p><p>UNCA art faculty exhibit debuts Friday</p><p>The opening reception for an exhibit of the works of 11 UNC Asheville Art Department faculty members will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in UNC Asheville's S. Tucker Cooke Gallery.</p><p>The wide-ranging exhibition will be on display through Oct. 4.</p><p>Participating faculty are Virginia Derryberry, Robert Dunning, Robert Tynes, Megan Wolfe, Tamie Beldue, Jackson Martin, Brent Skidmore, Eric Tomberlin, Matt West, Scott Lowrey and Carrie Tomberlin. </p><p>The exhibit features work in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and ceramics.</p><p>Located on the first floor of Owen Hall, the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. </p><p>Call 828-251-6559 or visit art.unca.edu for more information.</p><p>Hendersonville Chorale begins rehearsals</p><p>The Hendersonville Chorale will begin practicing for its fall concert on Aug. 26 at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Kanuga Road. </p><p>The chorale will rehearse from 7 to 9 p.m. for 13 Monday evenings in preparation for the fall concert. Singers should arrive at the first rehearsal at 6:30 to register. Registration will continue for two additional Mondays. </p><p>There is a $20 registration fee. </p><p>New member singers are invited to join. Men are especially encouraged and welcomed.</p><p>The fall holiday concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville. </p><p>Timothy Shepard is the director of the Hendersonville Chorale. </p><p>Michael Brannon will be accompanying the chorale this season. Brannon is the director of music at First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville.</p><p>The Hendersonville Chorale is made up of 70-90 nonauditioned singers. Visit www.henderson villechorale.com for more information.</p><p>Quilt guild craft show set for Aug. 31</p><p>The Memory Makers Quilt Guild is sponsoring a Quilt & Craft Show and sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 at First Baptist Church Crosswalk student building in downtown Hendersonville, corner of Sixth Avenue and Buncombe Street. </p><p>Admission is free. </p><p>Money raised at the event will be used to purchase a long-arm sewing machine and other sewing supplies for making quilts for disaster victims, Samaritans Purse, orphanages and Hendersonville nonprofit agencies, including Head Start, The Storehouse and Hospice. </p><p>Call 828-687-0853 for more information.</p><p>ASHEVILLE</p><p>Art gallery accepting member applications</p><p>The Asheville Gallery of Art at 16 College St. is accepting applications for membership. </p><p>The work of applicants must be submitted Sept. 3 for jurying on Sept. 4. </p><p>Interested artists can obtain a copy of prospective member guidelines and a membership application, both available at the gallery or can be downloaded from the AGA website (www.asheville gallery-of-art.com). </p><p>Jury entrants must deliver five finished original pieces ready for hanging, six copies of a current resume, and six copies of the completed membership application to the gallery between noon and 5:30 p.m. Sept. 3. </p><p>All work must be picked up between 2 and 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4. </p><p>Call 828-251-5796 or email ashevillegalleryof art@gmail.com for more information.</p>